If you are looking for something to brighten this dreary Sunday read the article The 'vintage' Big Bad Mavs in the Sunday Oregonian or here on-line (but try and check out the pictures in the print version!).

It's the hilarious story of the Portland Mavericks who played baseball in the Civic Stadium from 1973 to 1977 by former New York Yankee, writer and proud former Mavericks player Jim Bouton.Find out who invented "Big League Chew" (which Mrs. Timberlog tells me is a candy designed to look like chewing tobacco!) in the bullpen at the Civic Stadium and which Hollywood actor was a former Mav.

They should make it into a movie double-quick...something like a baseball version of the great Slap Shot!

You can read the Timberlog match report by looking to your right and clicking on El Paso.

A couple of thoughts about the game:

Positive points include an overall performance that (at least) matched a team who compared to the Timbers are more settled, having played 2 games prior to yesterday's match, and had home advantage (obviously). Apart from the result (!) the Timbers matched El Paso on shots and corners which must say something. The performances of Matt Napoleon, Tony McPeak and Gavin Wilkinson (at least from the feeling from the radio commentry), the fact that Mark Baena seems to be getting back into the swing of things after his troubling "turf toe" (don't know why, but every time the Timberlog hears that phrase it pictures a toe covered with shiny blades of grass!).

The negative side is obviously, what appeared from the radio commentry, (good job KUIX by the way) a trigger-happy official. Hopefully those yellow cards picked up don't cost us later with suspensions and the Timberlog really hopes for Vadim's sake that he can serve his suspension in an Open Cup game and doesn't miss the home opener. The Timberlog would like to find out exactly what those cards that Darren, Matt and Vadim picked up were for but if they were for "talking back" rather than real "dissent" then it's a harsh one. Better the Timbers learn about the strictness/quality of the officials now and can learn from it rather than later I suppose.

The Timbers lost their opening A-League game in El Paso tonight in the 99th minute. The Timbers took the lead after 21' through Brian Kelly, but the Pats hit right back 2 minutes later through Carlos Farias. There were no more goals in the remainder of normal time but the game swung El Paso's way in the 85th minute when Vadim Tolstolutsky was sent off after receiving his second booking of the game. The Timbers picked up 4 more yellow cards (Sancho, Sawatzky, Bennedetti and Napoleon). The Timbers had a chance to win the game in the final minute of normal time when a bicycle kick from Jesus Ochoa was deflected for a corner. By the end of the game the Timbers were looking weary and after sustained pressure from El Paso in the first period of overtime Gustavo Leal headed home the winner after a cross from Mark Roland.

[check back tomorrow for a more reflective look at the Timbers first game]

Brian Kelly on loan to the Timbers this weekend.The Timbers have drafted Brian Kelly from the LA Galaxy on loan for Saturdays match at El Paso. Brian is a 26 year old former MetroStars player drafted to LA in May 2000. He has been brought in to cover for Michael O'Neill in midfield.

Media WatchNice little graphic of PGE Park on the front page of the Sports Tribune shows exactly where you can: change your baby, buy Timbers stuff at the Joe's Sports Gear stand, chow down on your Pizzicato Pizza, park your bike, get your shoes shined and even record your very own views of the game at a Fox Box!!

Plus the scoreboard notes that Portland will probably be without Neil Ryan (strained hamstring) this Sat, but Roger Gantz and Rob Baarts are recovered enough to be available. The Timbers are waiting on clearance from Ireland that would allow Gavin Wilkinson to play.Matt Napoleon will start, but Matt Nelson will not be travelling to El Paso.

Media Watch - Missing Parts Bog Down Timbers.A downbeat but probably realistic assessment of the the Timbers as they ready themselves for the season opener Saturday. Bobby Howe's comment on the team missing key players due to injury or NASL play-offs?

[fanfare]
We are proud to present the first installment in a new feature...
The Timberlog Trivia Corner!

#1 Natty Dread inna Soccer Babylon.Brent Sancho, Timbers colossus at the heart of defense, once accused former T and T national team boss Bertille St Clair of discriminating against him because of his dreadlocks!

#2 Evil Lord of Destruction??Darren Sawatzky's tattoo is NOT, as previously guessed, a representation of the re-entry of the MIR spacestation but consists of the following:
At the top a skeleton representing “Skeletor” (Darrens college nickname, presumably because he is the Evil Lord of Destruction??)
and below that a heart in flames and the initials of Darren, his father and grandfather.

Bob Akamian and Clive Charles (schedule permitting) are live on KUPL 970 AM. (If the Beavers and Timbers play on the same day, the Timbers game will be broadcast on KUIK 1360 AM. Pregame radio show begins 30 minutes prior to game time.)

Media Watch - The Silent Enemy.Again Allison has done a great service by putting the latest Tribune article on-line on her Timber Rattlers site.It focuses on Timber's midfielder Brian Winters and shrewdly pinpoints what a key player he may be this year both as a ball winner and play maker in the center of the pitch.

Seattle Sounders 2-1 Portland TimbersMatch report at the ever informative Seattle Pitch.Keith Costigan put the Timbers ahead (14') after Mark Baena was brought down 20 yards from goal. It sounds like Matt Napoleon had a good game first half with Johann Noetzel taking over in the second. Seattle hit back after 63' and 65' (Kyle Smith and Jeremy Sweet).The Timbers line-up included a new addition, Tony McPeake and both Gavin Wilkinson and Neil Ryan played the full 90 minutes. Brain Winters was missing from the game presumably still suffering from his back strain.

New in the Timberlog: I'm going to be keeping a match preview, starting today with El Paso. Check over to your right and click on the game in the fixture list.

Timbers sign Matt Napoleon.Major news this morning is that the Timbers have signed former Columbus Crew goalkeeper Matt Napoleon. Matt is a former Miami Fusion player and has also been part of the US Olympic squad. More news later.

Reported in the Tribune this morning: Oregon State 1-2 TimbersThe Timbers, behind 1-nil at half-time, came back with goals by Brent Sancho (scramble after a corner) and Darren Sawatzky (penalty after Vadim Tolstolutsky was brought down). Brian Winters left the game early with a stiff back and Rob Baarts (strained leg ligament) and Brian Gantz (sligh hamstring pull) are both doubtful for the Sounders game on Sunday.A new addition to the training camp is Mbouh Emile (midfield/forward) from Cameroon.

Another couple of pieces of info after having my memory jogged by the update in the Tribune* today (Sports/Scoreboard section).Daniel Moss may be invited back to the camp but has returned to Yale to complete his finals. The Timbers have a training game today against OSU in Corvallis (closed door).*Nice to see that in an article about the Beavers, the Tribune adds a small mention that there will also be soccer at PGE this year.

Jesus Ochoa signed.The major news I got from the training camp this morning is that Jesus Ochoa is now a Timber. The number of players at the training camp has been roughly halved after this weekends training matches at the U of W (U of W 1-Timbers 0). I've updated the training camp roster page to reflect the players still at the camp.There are 3 recent additions to the roster: Neil Ryan, Josh Elbaum (OSU) and Troy Merrill(?).David Alexander and Johann Noetzel remain out of the original 6 goalkeepers but no signings have been made to my knowledge.Kevin Legg (broken bone in foot) and Rob Baarts sat out this morning's session and Roger Gantz did some light training.

Another article in the Oregonian this morning about PGE Park.An interesting history from the building of the first playing field on the site in 1892; famous appearances from Charles Lindbergh, Jack Dempsey, Elvis, Willie Mays, Pele, Billy Graham, The Promise Keepers(!), and the US Men's and Women's soccer teams. Then we get to 2001...

The city and it's partner Portland Family Entertainment put the final touches on a $38.5 million renovation of the stadium, renamed PGE Park. And, for the second time, the Pacific Coast League Beavers are finding their way back to town.

...wait there must be more on the next page (fumbling of newsprint)...no...let's check the article above...no not there either...Unbelievable! No mention that the Portland Timbers are back! Remember this is in the Sports Section, not tucked away in that other section of the O that regularly deals with past appearances of Billy Graham or photos of depression era dog racing but the Sports section! It's getting tired but I guess i'll have to write another letter to the O.

Vancouver Whitecaps 2 - 1 Portland TimbersThe Whitecaps beat the Timbers yesterday in their pre-season exhibition game at the University of Washington.Darren Sawatzky put the Timbers ahead after 13', Charles Gbeke pulled the Whitecaps back just before half-time. Sub Dana Garner came on to score the winner with 15 minutes to go. There was no Timbers line-up given in the report from the Whitecaps.

NEW in the Miscellany - Timberlog guide to T & T.As we welcome Trinidadian Brent Sancho to Portland here is the Timberlog Guide to (everything you weren't quite sure you needed to know about) Trinidad and Tobego!

“This promises to be a great test for our club,” said Jim Taylor, Timbers general manager. “San Jose has some of the most exciting and skilled players in MLS in Landon Donovan, Ronald Cerritos, Dwayne DeRosario and Jeff Agoos. I’m sure our fans will make the Earthquakes feel right at home because PGE Park will be rocking for this game.”

This should be one exciting game. The Earthquakes not only have US International Landon Donovan, but also new addition to the Canadian Men's team roster Dwayne DeRosario, midfielder Manny Lagos, top draft pick Chris Carrieri and recent signing Danish international midfielder Ronnie Ekelund.

Zach Dundas (Music Editor at the Willamette Week) is going to be writing a weekly sports column Go! Fight! Win!Zach, you may remember, wrote the Portland:Rochester of the West article a while back so he obviously has an interest in the Timbers (not to mention a great taste in music), so hopefully there will be some regular Timber related stuff in the WW.

San Diego Flash Will Not Compete In 2001 Season.The rumours today that the San Diego Soccer Development Corporation (SDSDC) which owns and operates the San Diego Flash are in financial difficulty are confirmed with the news that the Flash will not compete in the A-League this season.

It turns out that the report in onefootball.com greatly exaggerated Gavin's injury. He did pull a muscle but it is not an injury that will keep him out of action and he is due to arrive in Portland on Sunday.

Media WatchA front page article in the Sports Tribune about getting PGE Park ready for the home opening games and the grand opening on July 13th when all the final elements of the stadium are due to be in place. PFE are budgeting attendance figures of 6,240 for the Beavers and 4,980 for the Timbers.Also a short piece in the Scoreboard section, basically a few notes, shows that it doesn't have to be a large article to get some important facts about the Timbers across to the fans.

Media WatchArticle in the Oregonian this morning about the training camp so far. Includes the news that Joey Leonetti's injury is probably worse than first thought, very sad news for a player who was obviously trying so hard to make the team.

Another match report courtesy of the Seattle Pitch.The Timbers line up is reported to have included a number of players who were not listed at the beginning of last weeks training camp; Neil Ryan, Jamie Byers, Andy Casey and Paul Brooks.

Some news from Kilkenny City on keeper Matt Nelson.As you remember keeper Matt Nelson was mentioned a while back as a possible Timbers signing. It has been reported that he is about to leave Kilkenny after their latest 3-1 loss at the weekend and fly back to the US. Kilkenny received special permission to sign a replacement after the transfer deadline and it looks like Matt was allowed to leave before the end of the season to cut Kilkenny's wage bill.

The same article mentions that Carlos Rocha has also played his last game for Kilkenny after an unspecified "breach of club rules". Carlos has also been linked to the Timbers, but the strength of any rumors have faded over time and the last information received by the Timberlog was the vague "a number of A-League clubs are looking at Carlos".

A word on the Timber's UniformsIf you haven't seen Allison Andrew's great renderings on the Timber Rattlers page check that out. It looks like she got it spot on. I spoke to Jim Taylor earlier this week and it looks like the green shirts with white Umbro diamonds on the shoulders together with white shorts and black socks will be the away kit. If I got it correct the home kit will be a reverse with white shirts (green diamonds), green shorts and black socks again. The green looks like it will be the same as in the Timbers logo. The Timber's staff were wearing a nice dark green windbreaker, dare I say Forest Green (soon to be renamed Timber Green), and the shirts will be that shade.

Media WatchAn excellent article in the (where else?) Portland Tribune this morning about Vadim. A full half page with large photo the article describes Vadim's start in Kyrgyzstan, his time at Seattle Pacific and the views of Coach Howe.

The Timbers played a last minute game against the University of Portland yesterday.[so last minute that the Timberlog barely made it to kick off. So much traffic on I-5 at 3.45 !!! What's up with THAT?] It was played as three 30 minute segments (…"it was a game of 3 thirds Brian"!) so that the Timbers could use all their trialists. I’m not sure about the strength of the U of P team, not having seen them play before, and to read anything into the result is probably not very useful, but...

The Timbers went behind after 15’ (all times approx.), but equalized after 25’ through Darren Sawatzky. In the second third the Timbers scored after 38’ (player not identified but suspect it may have been Rob Baarts). The same player then had a penalty saved after 50’ after Ranvir Singh was brought down. There was no further score in the final third and the score ended 2:1. In the final third Joey Leonetti went down with what turned out to be a ruptured achilles tendon and he will be out of action for an estimated 10-12 weeks.I have posted a couple of pictures on the training camp page.

Brent Sancho looks like he is going to be a rock at in the center of defense. He’s quick and appears unworried under pressure. (Add Dreadlocks In Moonlight by Lee Perry to my list of Timbers tunes!)

Keith Costigan really catches the eye. A nice left-sided player who has been playing at left back in the scrimmages. Coach Howe has been exhorting Keith to get wide and it looks like he will be a full-back of the attacking variety.

Scott Benedetti has also been looking very good playing at the back with Brent. I guess a lot of you long term Portland soccer fans know a lot more about, and have seen a lot more of Scott.

Another player that has caught the eye is Ranvir Singh who is at the camp with his brother Satvir. Ranvir has been playing wide on the right and is a exciting player to watch. Tall and rangy with pace he likes to take on defenders and his crossing ability looks good. Ranvir played for Contra Costa College and in January was selected for the All-American first-team for junior colleges by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In 22 games last season, he scored 29 goals and had 13 assists. In his two seasons at Contra Costa College he scored a total of 49 goals .

Jesus Ochoa, from Guadalajara, has been playing on the right side of defense and has looked assured and strong.

All in all there have been some great looking players and I feel bad only mentioning a few but those in particular have caught the Timberlog’s eye. Hopefully if I get time to attend more of the camp I’ll be able to pick out a few more players individually.

[Also check out Fun with Translation. Something I stumbled across while looking for information on Jesus Ochoa.]

Media WatchAn article today in the Portland Tribune (which is looking like the paper of record as far as the Timbers are concerned) covering the Timbers training camp and a profile of Mark Baena. The article also covers the recent signings of Brent Sancho, Gavin Wilkinson, Kevin Legg and Keith Costigan.How about writing to the Oregonian telling them how much better their rivals are doing covering the Timbers so far. The Timberlog is polishing its thesaurus and sharpening its pen ready to take them to task!

Training Camp – Tuesday.A slightly warmer Timberlog (when the sun wasn’t behind the clouds) watched the afternoon training session today, which involved a couple of 9-a-side scrimmages. Jesus Ochoa from Chivas joined the camp today and played at right back. It should be noted that Gavin Wilkinson, Greg Howes and Jeff Clarke are not at the training camp due to commitments with their current clubs.

Coach Howe started the first game playing Adam Pearce (GK); Scott Benedetti and Brent Sancho, (central defense); Keith Costigan and Todd Simmons (wide defense but pushing up); Vadim Tolstolutsky and Brian Winters (M); and Darren Sawatzky and Mark Baena (F) in one team. Coach Howe would stop the play every so often to make points to the players. In a later game players were mixed up a bit and I’m assuming the point of playing 9 v 9 was to open up some spaces in the play.

There was a Fox 49 camera team there briefly doing a few shots of the game and an interview with Coach Howe.

The goalkeepers who are trying out are under the direction of Jim Brazeau (Timbers Goalkeeping Coach), Pacific University Head Coach and FC Portland U-18 coach under Clive Charles. His playing career includes one season at Pacific playing under Timbers Assistant Coach Jimmy Conway.

Jim Taylor told the Timberlog that the Timbers are aiming high this season. The goal is not just the A-League title but to take on and beat the best of the MLS in the Open Cup.

Timberlog spent a slightly chilly but enjoyable morning at Delta Park watching the 11-a-side scrimmage. A pretty good game and Bobby Howe commented afterwards that it was an improvement over previous trials. Hopefully the Timberlog will be posting a full list of players attending the camp later, but for now a few notes:(thanks to Jim Taylor)

The Timbers have signed Brent Sancho (defender) who was a former player for Joe Public (great name!), co-captain of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team and formerly signed to Charleston Battery.

The Timbers also have Kevin Legg, a former San Diego Flash player, under contract. Kevin was not in the game due to a broken toe.

One of the 6 or 7 players trying for a goalkeeping place was Danny Moss from Yale.

One player who caught the Timberlog’s eye was left back Keith Costigan (Dublin, Ireland), a former player at Cal. State Bakersfield.

Hopefully there will be more reports from later sessions during the week.

The Timberlog dusted off its camera (note-to-self: must get a better camera!) and a few shots can be found here.